BLOG: Top 10 Dinner Party Games

BLOG POST 29th November 2013

As the Christmas season hots up, we all look forward to a good party: and the chances are you’ll end up at an office party, a house drinks party or a dinner party in the coming days. Not to mention the big day itself and all the fun and excitement with the family, relatives and friends.

For a dinner party it’s always a good idea to have a few games ready to play: they do so much so help break the ice, spice up the fun, and make the event more memorable. It’s up to you whether you just have a few games as an informal distraction, or whether you go for a carefully planned, more “full-on” party games event.

Just bear in mind the type of guest who is coming to the party, and be careful not to intimidate anyone. It should all be for fun!

Over the last 15 years I’ve gathered together a lot of brilliant games, (and a few less brilliant!). So here is my pick of the Top 10 party games for your dinner party:

1. Ben DoverA favourite game involving a cereal box and scissors. It will appeal to the more supple and sober members of your party. Always popular for young and old.

2. Teddy BearA surprise party game. It'll only work once, and best if you are the only person who knows the game. It's great for ages 8 upwards, and an excellent game for family gatherings, dinner parties, and Christmas.

3. Celebrity CouplesIf you are looking for an icebreaker this game is guaranteed to get people talking! On arrival at the party, each person has a post-it note stuck on their back without them seeing what it says…..

4. Camera GameThis game involves shooting selfies with a camera set to “self-timer”. It's great because you get a load of fun selfles to share, and always a bit of a surprise for everyone.

5. Guess The CelebrityLots of fun. Everyone writes the name of a celebrity, famous person or character on a piece of paper which they stick to the forehead of the player on their left ….the objective is to work out who you are.

6. DiscretionThis game encourages conversation, helps break the ice, and is hilarious. Get some Post-It notes, or bits of paper: one per guest. On the paper write an unusual phrase and place the piece of paper under your dinner guests' plates…..

7. CrackerA nice game that works well at Christmas when you've got Christmas crackers easily available. Very simple and not intrusive at all.

8. Famous ProductsAnother nice ice breaker, for age 6 upwards. Good for family parties and for your dinner party. A clever twist: you stick product names cut from wrappers on your back….

9. No GameThis is an awesome game to get people laughing and involved. Every guest at the party is given a tag which they wear, usually as they arrive. The game can be played throughout the party while people mingle…

10. Lie DetectorLast but by no means least, this game is great to get the conversation going. Ask everyone to come prepared with one lie and two true statement about themselves…